Two women charged with murder of father-of-one

TWO women are to stand trial charged with the murder of a father-of-one who was found dead in his apartment in Dublin.

Anna Marie Pezzillo, 33, who is of no fixed abode and Rachel Comiskey, 34, with an address at Dodsboro Cottages, Lucan, Dublin were arrested on Wednesday afternoon.

They were charged with the murder of Ian Quinn at his apartment in Block B, Annally Grove, Ongar, D.15 between May 30 and May 31, 2014. The 32-year-old man was orignally from Donomore Park in Tallaght, in Dublin.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 4am and Mr Quinn’s lifeless body was found in his apartment.

The two women were brought to appear before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court. Garda Paul Kirwan and Detective Sgt Daniel Callaghan gave evidence of their arrest and being charged.

Judge McHugh was told that each woman had "no reply" when charged and there was application to remand them in custody for one week. A book of evidence has yet to be completed by the prosecution and they will face their next hearing at the district court on Jan. 17 next.

Ms Pezzillo, who was represented by solicitor John O'Doherty, was granted free legal aid. Mr O'Doherty furnished the court with a statement of his client's means.

Legal aid was also granted to Ms Comiskey who was represented by solicitor Kelly Breen.

There was no Garda objection.

The two women remained silent during the brief hearing and neither defendant has indicated how they will plead.

Bail cannot be granted in the district court in a murder case and the pair will have to make an application to the High Court to get released pending trial.

An inquest into the cause of Mr Quinn's death was opened in November 2014 but was adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.